The Magazine of The University of Montana

A Farewell To Dennison

President Dennison looks back on twenty years of leadership

This issue of the Montanan marks my last opportunity to hold forth from this very special podium—

I almost said pulpit—as president of The University of Montana, the position I accepted twenty years ago in August. Much has changed over those years, just as this magazine has changed remarkably in appearance and responsiveness. As I confessed recently during the 2010 Charter Day ceremony, I have enjoyed every moment of the time I have had the privilege to serve as president of my alma mater. In truth, I do not recall any down times; every day and every new challenge made life exciting and energizing. I even found encouraging and educational the often stormy discussions, decisions, and actions with which others found fault and for which they berated me scathingly and publicly. In the end, the critics made their legitimate points, and I accepted the blame for having taken some missteps, and we righted the ship and kept moving. Most importantly, not once during those two decades did we as a group look longingly in the rearview mirror and change course with the purpose of returning to the “good old days.” And with good reason. Every person who thinks seriously about the challenges of life understands that he or she who seeks to rediscover the past in the future walks in circles, as Saint Augustine told us centuries ago.

In a reflective moment recently, I asked myself what really changed and what stayed the same over those years. In my view, and I doubt that anyone would disagree with the major premise, this University has changed dramatically—physically, academically, and culturally—over the years since I first stepped on the campus as a student in 1960. Nonetheless, in ways that matter to students, parents, and alumni, it has remained as originally chartered—“a high seminary of learning” in the vernacular of the late nineteenth century—kept so by the dedicated efforts of the fine people who have comprised the faculty and staff. These people actually care passionately about what happens to the young and not-so-young people attracted to the campus in pursuit of their dreams and aspirations, and they do all they can to foster student success. But they do so without making life dull, dreary, and routine, relying on their infectious love for learning and discovery, a finely honed, albeit often dry, sense of humor, and a forgiving willingness to overlook errors that inevitably occur when people push themselves but persevere. These campus attributes have remained constant, as I believe they always will, thanks to tradition and the incentive for good work in the examples left by those who preceded us at the University.

However, the profile of the faculty, staff, and students has changed greatly over the years, becoming more reflective of the state, nation, and world. Significantly more highly qualified female faculty and staff members provide role models for aspiring students, even if their numbers do not yet match needs. In addition, the University more clearly recognizes its location within Indian Country and its responsibility to serve all of Montana, not just part of it. The wonderful new Payne Family Native American Center, with its simple grandeur and inspiring presence, and the large numbers of American Indian students on campus provide profound evidence of the depth of those commitments. The University still has work to do with regard to other groups—African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and the otherwise abled and oriented—but has made visible progress in the diversity of its constituents.

Physically, the last twenty years have probably witnessed as much change as occurred during the beginning years, when buildings displaced the teepees of the Salish in search of bitterroots on campus. In that regard, the first Founders’ Day—now Charter Day—events occurred in 1899, the year the builders introduced the first two completed buildings—including University or “Main” Hall—to the University community. Over the past twenty years, we have added about 1.3 million square feet of space—increasing total usable space by some 20 percent. And that happened not because of a Dennison “edifice complex,” as some asserted, but rather out of the same drive present from the founding to make certain faculty, staff, and students have the facilities they need to accomplish what they come here to do. Frankly, I had not even an inkling as I walked the campus during the evenings when I visited in July 1990 of the critical need for such a building program. I soon learned the facts, and I very much appreciate the work of faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends, and policymakers, without whose efforts and commitments nothing could have occurred. Perhaps not surprisingly, it still remains necessary to remind some persistent critics that the facilities did not come at the expense of programs, faculty, staff, and students, but to attract and serve them, with most of the work funded by earned revenue or private donations, although the state contributions truly made a difference. With so many to thank, I simply cannot name them all, but they know.

Even if unnamed individually, the alumni and friends who helped the University succeed in the effort to match facilities with faculty, staff, and student talent and aspiration also provided the private support for fellowships, scholarships, professorships, and programs. I have frequently paraphrased the conclusion of a study I read in the early 1990s that great societies depend for their vitality on great universities, and that in today’s world great universities depend on sustained private support.

In two aggressive campaigns directed by the UM Foundation and continuous engagement over the past twenty years, alumni and friends working with the Foundation attracted roughly $500 million to transform UM into a “University for the twenty-first century” by “Insuring a Tradition of Excellence” (1992-1997) and “Investing in Discovery” (2002-2007). Even more importantly, their passionate engagement and counsel assured we remained on track toward the attainment of the goal. They, along with the faculty, staff, and students, provided the energy, passion, and dedication that sustained the University’s momentum.

And, as a direct result of the infusion of so much energy and in response to developments as they occurred, the students and faculty came in ever larger numbers. But numbers do not begin to tell the story, because the academic profile of the faculty and the students improved as well. We boast of our Rhodes Scholars, Goldwater Scholars, Fulbright Scholars, Truman Scholars, Udall Scholars, Guggenheim Scholars, Endowed Professorships, Regents Professors, and the like—even including a recent Nobel Laureate. But we understand as well that this University has always attracted and captured the imagination and loyalty of good people, whether as faculty, staff, or students. That some fare better than others in national and international competition only serves to highlight the level of performance across the board. We can rightly take pride, and we do.

Academically, during those two decades, the University claimed its legacy as a graduate research institution, simultaneously enhancing the quality and breadth of the undergraduate offerings. Funded research grew rapidly, providing vital support for graduate programs and jobs for faculty, staff, and students, including undergraduates who benefitted from the opportunities to participate in actual research projects. Talented faculty researchers attracted to the colleges, schools, and departments by the University’s relative freedom from bureaucracy and micromanagement led the way in this maturation. In addition, the fruits of the research in terms of technology transfer and the talents of the educated graduates made a significant difference culturally and economically for the city of Missoula and state of Montana. But I think the major benefits accrued to the faculty and staff who nourished these bright people and helped them find their places in life. And what a difference these graduates have made. The most recent study of the dramatic economic and cultural impact of the University on the city, region, and state no longer leaves room for doubt on that score. In very real ways, these graduates put their degrees and developed talents to very good work as caring, committed, and engaged citizens of the communities in which they settled and the larger, ever-changing world. They learned through practice those “habits of the heart” essential to good citizenship as students at UM.

In a very special way, the University has returned recently to its roots by redirecting energy and resources to the critical needs in education across the state. As H.G. Merriam noted in his brief history, the prep school started when the campus invited the first students in 1895, and the prep school students vastly outnumbered the regular college students for several years. That happened because Montana did not have a sufficient number of high schools to prepare young people for college. By 1908, with some forty-five high schools in operation, the University closed the prep school and relied on the high schools for students able to benefit from college. However, the president sustained the supportive relationships with the public schools until some time later. Gradually, the University went its way and paid only passing attention to the needs of public education. In recent years, that has changed, largely because of the recognition that the University cannot succeed if the public schools do not. That recognition dawned as the United States all too rapidly lost its position of world leadership in the educational attainment of its citizenry. Other nations moved up in the rankings, signifying the deteriorating position of the United States in the ever-escalating cultural, social, economic, and strategic global competition. The urgent need to bring about change for the benefit of the students and society at large has resulted in a resurgence of the original impulse. The Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences, hosting as it does the Montana Digital Academy reaching out to the public schools across the state, offers profound testimony to this revival of purpose. I have no doubt the resurgence will persist this time because of the realization of the consequences of allowing the collaboration in education to wither and dissipate.

In many more ways, the University has changed. But in ways that matter, it has remained the same, thanks to the work and commitments of so very many people. I take great pride in the education and degrees I received from UM. It required nearly all of my twenty years as president to persuade people to refer to it as “The University of Montana.” Many looked askance at my effort to change how they identified the institution, erroneously perceiving a political agenda of some sort at work. Frankly, I did want people to speak respectfully of the University, the institution chartered to “provide the best and most efficient manner of imparting to young men and women, on equal terms, a liberal education and thorough knowledge of the different branches of literature, science, and the arts, with the varied applications” for the benefit of the state of Montana. In a sense, just as with the 1995 decision to revert to the original maroon and silver colors from Texas orange and gold, I looked to the roots, to the chartering act of 1893, to learn that the Legislature “established in this state at the City of Missoula an institution of learning under the name and style of ‘The University of Montana.’” While the legislative mandate initiated the action, the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends over the years transformed the mandate for The University of Montana into reality through their good work. For that accomplishment, the state and people of Montana will forever benefit, even if they occasionally forget.

Thank you all for the many ways you have made these twenty years so memorable and meaningful for Jane and me. We believe that because of your engagement, UM has made fine progress over the last two decades. However, we also believe even more firmly that your continued engagement assures an ever brighter future. In the final analysis, it’s all about the people.

George M. Dennison, ’62, ’63
President and Professor of History

Dennison Timeline

1962-Graduates from UM with an undergraduate degree in history.

1963-Graduates from UM with a Master of Arts in history.

1967-Graduates from the University of Washington with a doctorate in history.

1990-Becomes UM’s sixteenth president.

1991-Starts the Diversity Advisory Council to promote cultural diversity through campus programs and events, which has led to significant growth in minority student enrollment.

1993-Establishes the Campus Compact, a public-service program that promotes volunteerism.

1995-Washington-Grizzly Stadium adds 7,000 seats.

1995-Grizzlies win first Division I-AA national football championship.

1996-Davidson Honors College building completed.

1997-Appointed to President Bill Clinton’s twenty-one-member committee of college and university presidents committed to increasing literacy. Starts Montana Reads, a program in which UM student volunteers tutored children and provided books for schools.

1999-$14.7 million renovation of Adams Center.

2000-President Dennison and the UM Foundation lead the most successful fundraising campaign in Montana history, raising more than $71 million in private money and providing $8.8 million for scholarships and awards, academics, institutional support, and building projects.

2000-Curry Health Center is accredited by the Accreditation Agency for Ambulatory Health Care, the primary accrediting agency for student health centers.

2000-Dennison implements the new institutional theme “The Discovery Continues.”

2001-Newly renovated recreation center construction completed.

2001-Former “Lodge” becomes the Emma B. Lommasson Center.

Jane and George Dennison

2002-Dennison selected to lead the Inland Northwest Research Alliance, a consortium of eight research universities in the region.

2002-4,000 seats added to Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

2004-Only 12 percent of UM’s budget comes from the state. (In 1990, 65 percent of UM’s budget came from the state.)

2004-UM ranks seventh in research funding among all pharmacy schools in the country. (Research grants have increased nearly tenfold to $64 million in 2004, compared with $7 million in 1990.)

2004-UM’s ROTC program secures the No. 9 slot on the U.S. Army’s list of top programs in the nation.

2004-UM ranks tenth nationally among medium-sized institutions on the Peace Corps’ 2004 “Top Producing Colleges and Universities” (ahead of Notre Dame, Harvard, and Yale).

2004-President Dennison implements plan to eliminate a nearly $1 million deficit in the athletics budget.

2004-Construction of student housing called Lewis and Clark Villages, an apartment complex for students, is completed.

2005-President George W. Bush nominates Dennison for a four-year position on the National Security Education Board. (Board was created under President Clinton to educate U.S. citizens about foreign cultures.)

2006-UM’s first “Day of Dialogue” takes place.

2006-Dennison participates in the U.S. University Presidents Summit, where President Bush launches the National Security Language Initiative.

2006-U.S. Environmental Protection Agency names UM one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters.

2007-Dennison announces UM’s participation in the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.

2007-UM is named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

2007-Don Anderson Hall, which houses the School of Journalism, is completed.

2007-Dennison receives a Montana Excellence in Leadership Award, presented by the Montana Interagency Committee for Change by Women.

2007-The Skaggs Building adds another 42,000 square feet.

2008-Washington-Grizzly Stadium adds 2,000 seats, raising the capacity to 25,000.

2008-Dennison flies at 97 percent of the speed of sound aboard a Navy Blue Angels jet during a 45-minute flight from Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Wash.

2009-The Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences building is completed.

2009-UM School of Law addition completed.

2010-Dennison announces his intention to retire with twenty years of service.

2010-The Payne Family Native American Center is completed.

Preserving The Pharmacy Program

d_3 The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education conducted an accreditation visitation in 1986 to review the pharmacy baccalaureate degree program at UM. The University and the Montana Legislature were challenged to add considerable resources to the program, and modest but insufficient resources were made available. The pharmacy program then was placed on “published probation” by ACPE in 1988.

In his first State of the University Address in 1990, President George Dennison announced that the pharmacy program must be saved.

The 1991 Legislature appropriated a substantial base budget to the University, and President Dennison matched it with University resources. Then Dennison, Provost Don Habbe, and I met with ACPE staff. Following that meeting the pharmacy program was awarded full accreditation status.

Dennison’s support and vision enabled the pharmacy program to hire additional faculty and begin a period of substantial growth. Since then, the program transitioned to the Doctor of Pharmacy Degree, doubled in class size, and created several biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences graduate degree programs. Additionally, in 1990, the School of Pharmacy was not ranked among U.S. schools and colleges of pharmacy in terms of National Institutes of Health biomedical research funding. But in 1998, it ranked thirty-seventh, and in 2009, seventh.

Additionally, Dennison was instrumental in creating a campus atmosphere necessary to seek private funding sources. The ALSAM Foundation was then contacted and requested to provide resources to create modern space to support the program’s growth in enrollment and funded research. The foundation provided the University with more than $11 million in brick-and-mortar support, and in 1999 Dennison, on behalf of the Board of Regents, awarded L.S. “Sam” Skaggs an Honorary Doctorate. The pharmacy program was subsequently renamed the Skaggs School of Pharmacy.

Dennison understood society’s need for health care education and was a tireless proponent for legislative and private support for the pharmacy program. Without his leadership and assistance, there was a very real possibility that Montana would have lost its only pharmacy program. That loss would have resulted in a number of significant negative impacts, but most importantly, in the approximately 1,000 pharmacists the University would not have graduated since 1990.

David Forbes
Dean, UM Skaggs School of Pharmacy

Lessons In Lifelong Learning

d_4 What exactly is it that has made George Dennison such a highly successful president of UM? Has it been the increase in the number of students and faculty, the buildings, the phenomenal growth in research, the numerous Council for Advancement and Support of Education awards, or the fact that he is a hands-on administrator with an open door policy? Is it some of these things or all of these things?

From my perspective, President Dennison has never been one to say “no” to ideas, and he’s focused on what is possible and never on the impossible. I would like to highlight just one case in which his initiative led to the development of an important community outreach program through Continuing Education. In 2005, flying somewhere on Delta Air Lines, he came across an article in Sky magazine about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Utah. He tore the page from the magazine, scribbled across it, “Why don’t we have one of these?” and sent it to me via campus mail.

That message led to research into the Bernard Osher Foundation and the gathering of five community leaders to plan what has become the highly successful Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UM, or MOLLI. For those of you unfamiliar with MOLLI, it is an educational program for people ages fifty and older who understand the connection between healthy aging and keeping the brain actively engaged. MOLLI is a unique University/community partnership that offers a diverse collection of noncredit short courses taught by active or retired UM faculty and community members. During fall 2006, the institute received generous startup support from the Osher Foundation, which culminated in a $1 million endowment in 2009 for exceeding the goal of 500 members. MOLLI has attracted more than 5,500 lifelong learning students to campus and featured dozens of diverse courses over the years, including everything from Iran: Between Two Revolutions, taught by Associate Professor Merhdad Kia, to Art & Insanity by Professor Rafael Chacón.

Now in its fourth year, MOLLI has provided older learners in Missoula with a unique opportunity. All of us engaged with its success continue to believe that its real value comes in reaching as many learners as possible to introduce them, once again, to the joy and rewards of intellectual growth, particularly with neighbors and friends from the community. Without that original vision and continuing support of President Dennison, the outcomes may have been significantly different.

Sharon Alexander
Dean, UM Continuing Education

Habits Of The Heart

d_6 I know President Dennison as a builder who has made Montana a better place. One can easily see all the growth at UM—the expanded stadium, the powerhouse football team, increased student enrollment, the rise of the University’s academic reputation, and other milestones. From my personal experience and knowledge, Dennison’s legacy also is about building foundations that we can build on to create more and better volunteer programs, a more civically engaged population, and, consequently, a stronger democracy.

During my thirty-five years working in community service, civic engagement, and volunteerism, and ten years as the Montana director for the Corporation for National and Community Service (known as the domestic Peace Corps), I worked with Dennison to encourage civic engagement and volunteerism. He is a builder—a visionary with a can-do attitude. I can’t count the number of times in meetings where he would say, “Let’s get it done.” He is able to connect seemingly unrelated issues while fostering relationships between far afield entities, like college volunteers working with senior volunteers to collect for food banks or young volunteers teaching senior volunteers about computers.

Dennison realizes a successful democracy depends on an educated and civically engaged population. Often he would lead dialogues among leaders in community service about the importance of volunteerism. Building civic engagement to him was not only an academic interest—it was about something bigger and getting it done.

Dennison provided the vision and leadership at the University, in Montana, and nationally to increase civic engagement. He served on the national Campus Compact board and was instrumental in building, in Montana, one of the most successful branches in the nation. Campus Compact promotes civic engagement at the university level. Year after year, UM ranks among the top universities nationally for civically engaged students, outranking many prestigious schools.

For fifteen years Dennison was the chair, visionary, and leader of the Montana Commission on Community Service, which promoted civic engagement. With his leadership, the commission developed and implemented more programs and created an environment that encouraged collaborations not often seen in larger states. Civic engagement experts considered the Montana Campus Compact and Montana Commission on Community Service as models for the nation, a direct result of Dennison’s longtime commitment and leadership. He gave tireless effort and always made himself available.

John D. Allen ’70
Former State Director for the Corporation for National and Community Service

Twenty Years Is A Legacy

d_7 George Dennison retires as the longest-serving president of UM on August 15, 2010—twenty years to the day since he took the job. During his tenure, UM has undergone fundamental transformational changes and has emerged as the strongest public university in the Rocky Mountain northwest.

Dennison is a Montanan—a graduate of Flathead High School with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from UM. When he began his presidency, the University was still in many ways a small provincial institution located in a regional backwater. Today it ranks high in national surveys of academic excellence, affordability, research, service, and location. Enrollment climbs every year, and outside support increases. The University has helped Missoula become a dynamic, cosmopolitan community.

UM now administers a multi-university system, including Montana Tech in Butte, The University of Montana-Western in Dillon, and the Missoula and Helena colleges of technology. Research support increased under Dennison from about $7 million to more than $70 million. Two capital campaigns exceeded their fundraising goals. Despite chronic financial crises originating at the state level, Dennison kept UM afloat, progressing, and expanding.

Dennison’s “edifice complex” is legendary. The campus is almost unrecognizable to old-timers. But most new structures were built with private support or are revenue generating, and no one argues that we have too much classroom space. The Payne Family Native American Center on the Oval will be dedicated this month. Even parking problems have abated thanks to the Associated Students of UM’s shuttles.

President Dennison constantly encourages international studies and school exchanges, and perhaps the most visible sign of change at UM is the increasing number of foreign students on campus (and UM students abroad). Emphasis on American Indian enrollment, retention and support services for all students, and a proactive Disability Services for Students also are hallmarks of Dennison’s leadership.

UM’s president is a target of criticism from all sides. Disgruntled students with causes, alumni, budget-conscious legislators, idealistic faculty, and an issue-oriented citizenry have all taken their shots. Dennison has handled these slings and arrows with dignity and resolve. He stood his ground when he and UM were right, and he instituted reforms when necessary. The average tenure of a college president in America is about six years. Twenty years is a legacy.

Come August 15, UM will undergo a significant change of leadership. The man who has led the institution for more than 17 percent of its history will step down. His successor will have big shoes to fill. Harry W. Fritz M.A. ’62
Professor Emeritus, UM Department of History

The Not-So-Secret Life Of Jane Dennison

Most introductions of President Dennison begin “George Dennison is the longest-serving president of The University of Montana.” Behind that statement, from the desks in the President’s Office in University Hall, it’s often the phrase “Jane Dennison is the longest-serving first lady of the University” that rings true.

The material contributions of Jane are well-known by many. She is as much a steward of alumni and donors as the president, attending events and cultivating relationships for the enhancement of campus and higher education in the community and state. Some even know about Jane’s involvement in the preparation of these events, including her thoughtful menu planning, her review of guest lists, and her conversation-stimulating seating charts at dinner parties.

But, we’re not sure the scope of Jane’s support of the Office of the President is fully known and appreciated. Few may know the real “hot line” in the President’s Office is connected to the residence at 1325 Gerald Ave.—not the corner office in University Hall. There are days when those of us who work outside that corner office consult with Jane more than the president to nail down details, get second opinions on invitation language, and coordinate travel itineraries. We could not accomplish much of what we do without her attention to detail, suggestions, and feedback.

Jane also has been key to the Alumni Association’s successful outreach efforts since 1990, when the Dennisons returned to Missoula. She has welcomed University alumni and friends to campus events and those hosted by the Alumni Association across the country. She also has volunteered as the International Travel program coordinator for the Office of Alumni Relations for nearly twenty years. She has done all of this, often several times a week, fifty-two weeks a year, for the past twenty years. She has done it with enthusiasm and incredible grace as the first lady of the University.

Jane also is committed to education. Few people know that while volunteering and promoting the University and its events, she also completed her bachelor’s degree—an achievement she considers quite personal and private. Her total commitment to education and her gracious and energetic support of our University is nothing short of remarkable.

Jane’s presence and involvement in the accomplishments of President Dennison will certainly have their own legacy at UM. The legacy of her service reflected on campus for twenty years has truly been, as President Dennison often quotes, “habits of the heart.”

Cathleen Collins
Assistant to the President, President’s Office,
and Bill Johnston ’79, M.P.A. ’91
Director, Office of Alumni Relations and Alumni Association

Importance Of Education For All

d_9 As the Chief of the Blackfeet Nation, I would like to acknowledge George Dennison, whom I met when he became the president of UM. When I met President Dennison, I observed the concern he had for all students, especially Native American students. His way of acknowledging the students and the encouragement he gave them over the years paved the way for them to continue their education. He encouraged Native American students to carry on their traditional and cultural ways and made them truly feel like a part of the University. Not only has President Dennison supported all the students and staff at the University, but he has shown a great deal of respect and acknowledgement of tribal leaders on many occasions. He created a scholarship in my name for Native American students. Many of these students have come to me and expressed their appreciation for this acknowledgement and have informed me of how it has helped them. He has supported not only our cultural way of life, but also our young athletes such as Dana Conway, Malia Kipp, Mike Chavez, and Tamara Guardipee.

During my childhood, my father, Juniper Old Person (Fast Buffalo Horse), always encouraged his children and all young people to get an education. He said, “If you do not have an education, you will have many problems. That will someday be your livelihood.” My father was far-seeing and knew what difficulties were ahead for our Indian people. In the Indian way to show our appreciation of a person, we give a traditional name to honor them. Because of his dedication and concern for our Indian students, I have given President Dennison my father’s name, “Fast Buffalo Horse.” They both knew the importance of education for our people.

President Dennison leaves behind a legacy to the Indian people through the new Payne Family Native American Center—dedicated this spring—and also through the many successful young Indian students who have graduated from the University. He will certainly be missed by all who have come in contact with him over the years. I certainly wish him the best in his future endeavors. I know he will be successful, and he will bring honor to whatever he does.

Earl Old Person
Chief, Blackfeet Nation

Making UM What It Is Today

d_10 Tonight as I write this, it’s been another amazing day in the life of UM. The events that crossed my radar include the Jeff Cole Distinguished Lecture at the School of Journalism, a Latin American Studies social at the Davidson Honors College, the Grizzlies’ dance in the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament, and George Dennison rocking out in his 1962 Starfires band persona. He was the headliner at a student-sponsored talent show to benefit Haitian and Chilean earthquake victims. And those are but a few of the myriad activities that go on every day across campus.

George, as he is known to students, faculty, staff, donors, and alumni alike, has been the spark, the force, and the primary UM change agent over the past twenty years. He made this University what it is today. I am a relative newcomer to the University community, but from my experience, I can assert that there is no one in the country who can hold a candle to George for his fundraising prowess, courage, and will to succeed. He has a passionate belief in the power of affordable and accessible public higher education. The students are at the heart of his work and his decisions. The events happening tonight exemplify George’s commitment to the ideal of a diverse and student-centered place of learning. He is spending the evening with students who are trying to make a difference. How refreshing and inspiring! He has translated that vision into action for thousands of people who have stepped forward throughout the last twenty years to contribute millions of dollars for University programs, facilities, and scholarships.

It is stunning to think that during George’s tenure, 720 privately funded scholarships were established—bringing students and keeping students who might never have stepped foot on our campus. This outpouring of student support by donors is directly linked to his emphasis on student success and educational affordability.

George has been a great partner to The University of Montana Foundation, working hand in glove with our Board of Trustees and staff. He provided the motivation for the successful fundraising results that we all have enjoyed. I thank him for his unflagging support, his great sense of humor, and his astounding stamina. His legacy can be summed up simply: He provided the tools for successful lives for UM students and society at large by accepting no less than the best in higher education in Montana.

Laura Brehm
President and CEO, UM Foundation

The Inaugural Promise

d_11 In the autumn of 1990, I co-chaired the planning committee for President Dennison’s inauguration. Dean ‘Jerry’ Fetz and I met with the new president for a conversation about the values he holds dear in academic leadership. The three words he emphasized are the ones we transformed into the theme of the inaugural festivities: community, diversity, and excellence.

By “community” President Dennison meant that the University should foster a sense of belonging among its students and employees and a sense of connection to the residents living all around us in our city and state. Establishing the Quality of Worklife task force exemplified his commitment to esprit de corps among employees. Holding open office hours with students on a regular basis meant he came to know many students personally. He valued their opinions and accepted most of their suggestions, if they spoke with him and not at him.

Every autumn George and Jane used home football game brunches to invite a broad cross section of the local and state communities to campus to enjoy the camaraderie of town and gown on those seven weekends when Washington-Grizzly Stadium became one of Montana’s larger cities.

In his commitment to diversity, President Dennison traveled to all of Montana’s reservations, particularly fostering ties to the remarkable tribal colleges. For his outreach, he was designated Fast Buffalo Horse by the Blackfeet Tribe, a name he treasures to this day. His vision of a dramatic, inspiring home on campus to Montana’s Native American faculty, students, and visitors becomes a reality this spring. It is fitting that The Payne Family Native American Center will be dedicated during the week of his last UM Commencement as presiding president.

President Dennison is a pragmatic optimist who insists on excellence when faced with difficult decisions. Might it be more expensive to seek specialized accreditation for an academic program? Yes, but “go for it,” he always says, because it is the best way in higher education to ensure that universities really strive for excellence.

Excellence also pervades his expectations for programs in athletics. He is competitive and expects to be the best in every endeavor. During one football game in the early ’90s, my husband, Hal, and I were seated with George and Jane. The Grizzlies fell far behind. George glowered and grumbled. None of us wanted to sit next to him, not even Jane. In the fourth quarter the Grizzlies mounted a furious comeback. As Hal, Jane, and I jumped out of our seats, George sat quietly and nodded as if it were just what he expected all along. When the rally came up short, he turned to us and said curtly, “We didn’t lose. We just ran out of time.”

Community, diversity, excellence. These were the hallmarks of President Dennison’s inaugural pledge. He consistently proved for twenty amazing years that he never forgot his promises.

Sheila Stearns ’68, ’69, Ed.D. ’83
Montana Commissioner of Higher Education

Putting The Resources Behind Rhetoric

d_12 As George Dennison leaves the presidency of UM after twenty years of service, there will be many who write about his leadership and legacy. I have the privilege of writing about his leadership and legacy to international education through his work with the International Student Exchange Programs. I met George in 1998 when he joined the ISEP Board of Directors, on which he served as chairman from 2000 to 2007. Although we had not met previously, I knew him by reputation as a staunch supporter of international student mobility, and with that interest and his leadership skills, he guided the transformation of ISEP from a student exchange program to a leading international education organization.

When George joined the board, the organization had only been incorporated as an independent nonprofit in 1997, with the challenge of supporting itself after federal government grants that comprised more than 30 percent of the ISEP budget were cut. We faced two choices—scale back considerably or grow out of the crisis. It quickly became clear the first option would erode one of ISEP’s core values by limiting our ability to develop and implement programs in nontraditional areas, such as Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Thus, we faced the challenge of developing new approaches to funding the organization. George never wavered in his resolve to expand ISEP so we could stay on mission.

It has been a pleasure to know George and his wife, Jane, over the years. ISEP has moved from a student exchange program to an international network of more than 300 universities in 42 countries, with a variety of program offerings that serve a wide range of diverse needs and interests.

George has been my teacher, friend, and collaborator. He has played a key leadership role in ISEP’s transformation. He always was available to deal with any situation, whether an issue needed immediate attention or more long-range strategic solutions. He is a university president who puts resources behind the rhetoric for the importance of campus internationalization, and he has made a difference not only for UM, but for the entire ISEP network. I thank George for his unwavering support and effective leadership in our large and growing network.

Mary Anne Grant
President and CEO, International Student Exchange
Programs Network